Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Every day, we are challenged to respond in some way to the pain and suffering that is so abundant in our world. In fact, many of us experience firsthand some type of suffering each and every day. However, we also realize that we have been truly blessed in so many ways. As Christians, we are asked to share those blessings, to lend a helping hand and to help alleviate the suffering of other members of our human family.
From the day of his election, Pope Francis has reminded us of the church’s fundamental responsibility to the poor and marginalized: “And also our work with brothers in need, our charitable works of mercy, lead us to the Lord, because it is in the needy brother and sister that we see the Lord himself.” (7/21/13)
The Diocesan Works of Charity collection is one way that we, as the local church, can work to respond to suffering in our part of the world. In consultation with local parishes, collection funds are redistributed to communities who find their members are struggling mightily to just meet the basics of food and shelter for themselves and their families. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Works of Charity funds are also being used to help refugee families resettle into communities in our diocese.
This special collection to assist with charitable needs in the Diocese of Davenport will be taken up at all Masses on the weekend of July 23-24. I thank you for sharing the Lord’s love by giving generously to this collection.
Sincerely in Christ,

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